TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) will not seek the chairmanship of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) party in October elections, his foundation announced Thursday (Aug. 28). Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation (馬英九基金會), told "POP Radio News" (POP撞新聞) that Ma believes younger leaders should guide the party after his decade-long retirement. The announcement ends speculation about Ma's potential return to party leadership ahead of the October 18 chairman election.
Hsiao revealed that while some KMT members had urged Ma's comeback, the former president prioritizes empowering fresh leadership for the party's future. The foundation executive emphasized Ma's belief that the KMT's presidential candidate should simultaneously serve as party chairman, creating unified leadership structure. Hsiao also expressed respect for Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen's (盧秀燕) decision to decline a presidential bid, acknowledging her strategic choice.
Hsiao detailed essential qualifications for the incoming KMT chairman, stressing the need for a leader capable of bridging Taiwan's Blue and White political coalitions. The future chairman must demonstrate selfless commitment to preparing for the 2028 presidential election while maintaining strict adherence to party principles and policies. These requirements reflect the KMT's strategic focus on building broader opposition unity against Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party. ◼